Planned works will include developing a new plaza, placement of street furniture and lighting, as well as the removal of railings and bollards in order to allow traffic move from east to west down the busy street.

Kildare company John Craddock, which has previously worked on projects in Limerick and Tralee, have been appointed as the contractor with the major work to begin after the introduction of the one-way system this month.

Signage is to be erected in the coming days, while an extensive public information campaign is also being rolled out.

Work will take place during the day and from Monday to Friday as contractors seek to develop a new look Athlone town centre and Church Street

Mayor of Athlone Municipal District Aengus O’Rourke says it is a historic day.